“On extra cold days, the best thing to do is pay attention to your pet to ensure she isn't showing signs of discomfort, like shivering, lethargy, or pulling to go back home," Krysty Vallejos, founder of NYC-based pet care services company Urban Pawz told Hearst Television.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals advises against shaving your cats or dogs during the winter. However, long-haired animals should be trimmed to minimize clinging ice balls and salt crystals.

PHOTO: AP

4 of 5

4. Keep pets covered.

Consider covering short-haired pets in thick sweaters or turtlenecks with high collars. Despite their fur coats, animals are still vulnerable to the dangers of below-freezing temperatures.

PHOTO: AP Photo/Jennifer Forker

5 of 5

5. Watch out for sidewalks.

“Be mindful of the salted sidewalks on extra icy days, as they can cause wounds on your pup's pads and can even make your pup sick,” Vallejos explained. “You can avoid this by applying Mushers Secret on their paws before stepping outside and/or wiping down their paws once inside so they do not lick off the salt. "

“On extra cold days, the best thing to do is pay attention to your pet to ensure she isn't showing signs of discomfort, like shivering, lethargy, or pulling to go back home," Krysty Vallejos, founder of NYC-based pet care services company Urban Pawz told Hearst Television.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals advises against shaving your cats or dogs during the winter. However, long-haired animals should be trimmed to minimize clinging ice balls and salt crystals.

PHOTO: AP

4. Keep pets covered.

Consider covering short-haired pets in thick sweaters or turtlenecks with high collars. Despite their fur coats, animals are still vulnerable to the dangers of below-freezing temperatures.

PHOTO: AP Photo/Jennifer Forker

5. Watch out for sidewalks.

“Be mindful of the salted sidewalks on extra icy days, as they can cause wounds on your pup's pads and can even make your pup sick,” Vallejos explained. “You can avoid this by applying Mushers Secret on their paws before stepping outside and/or wiping down their paws once inside so they do not lick off the salt. "

“On extra cold days, the best thing to do is pay attention to your pet to ensure she isn't showing signs of discomfort, like shivering, lethargy, or pulling to go back home," Krysty Vallejos, founder of NYC-based pet care services company Urban Pawz told Hearst Television.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals advises against shaving your cats or dogs during the winter. However, long-haired animals should be trimmed to minimize clinging ice balls and salt crystals.

PHOTO: AP

4. Keep pets covered.

Consider covering short-haired pets in thick sweaters or turtlenecks with high collars. Despite their fur coats, animals are still vulnerable to the dangers of below-freezing temperatures.

PHOTO: AP Photo/Jennifer Forker

5. Watch out for sidewalks.

“Be mindful of the salted sidewalks on extra icy days, as they can cause wounds on your pup's pads and can even make your pup sick,” Vallejos explained. “You can avoid this by applying Mushers Secret on their paws before stepping outside and/or wiping down their paws once inside so they do not lick off the salt. "

Winter can be a dangerous season for pets – freezing temperatures, ice-melting chemicals and indoor drafts are potentially hazardous to an animal’s health. Here's how to keep your pet healthy and happy during the coldest months of the year.